Journal

If one travels to Fairbanks, the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is a must see. Reality, however, has shown the aurora to be an elusive treat. The University of Alaska at Fairbanks has an aurora forecaster, and there are additional web-based forecasters available. Even when conditions are favorable, this is no guarantee that one will see the aurora. After late nights, early nights, and periodically checking through the nights, our group has caught only brief glimpses of the lights. Last night the group traveled beyond the lights of Fairbanks in pursuit of the aurora. Despite no aurora last night, we got to see a beautiful, clear star-filled sky. The aurora hunt will continue this week, so look for updates.

Denali Mountain in the distance.
Denali Mountain in the distance from the Westmark Hotel, Fairbanks.
Aurora borealis
Aurora borealis from Westmark Hotel, Fairbanks. Photo by DJ Kast.

Question of the Day

What causes the aurora? Would you expect to see an aurora on Mars? Why or why not?

Details
Author
Sandra Thornton
Date
Expedition
Chukchi Sea Borderland

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Comments

Sat, 03/12/2016 - 15:27

Sandra Brown

I learned something! I've always been under the impression that the aurora was just always there, visible just because one is in Alaska. Thanks for sharing and teaching Sandy

Wed, 02/10/2016 - 19:03

Lisa Seff

Hi Sandy and welcome aboard the amazing world of PolarTREC and polar science! Nice picture of Denali....I think you got an upgrade if that's the view from your hotel room! You're going to my favorite part of the Arctic, the Chukchi Sea! It's an amazing part of the world, and as you'll soon find out, the Chukchi has a mind of its own. I look forward to following your expedition!

Thu, 02/11/2016 - 07:43

Sarah

this journal is great!!!

Thu, 02/11/2016 - 09:30

Lucy Coleman

I can't wait to learn more about the Chukchi Sea and see polar science from a totally different perspective- on a ship!

Thu, 02/11/2016 - 10:33

Karen Temple-Beamish

Your writing and your photography are an inspiration to me! Thanks for being my friend and colleague.

Mon, 04/25/2016 - 17:33

Deanna Wheeler

Hi Sandi--I am looking forward to following your expedition. I am curious about where you live sandwiched between the Bay and the ocean. What great connections your students will make with the Chukchi Sea.

Thu, 02/11/2016 - 20:50

Sandra Thornton

Thanks, Lisa. I am so excited to be working with Dr. Iken and the rest of the team on the Chukchi Borderlands Project! To clarify - the view of the Aurora was from the hotel, just not my room. A special thanks to DJ Kast for sharing her photo! I have been surprised at how much activity I see out my window throughout the night while periodically looking for the Aurora. Fairbanks is a city that doesn't seem to sleep!

Thu, 02/11/2016 - 21:05

Sandra Thornton

Lucy - Life aboard a ship will be a new experience for me. I can only imagine what we will see and learn when we are in the Chukchi Sea!

Sun, 05/01/2016 - 09:58

Sandi

Deanna - The Delmarva Peninsula is made up of Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. Virginia's section is about 70 miles long and mostly less than 15 miles wide, and we can easily get to Norfolk, VA via the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. My students are used to interacting with the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, and we are all really looking forward to learning about another marine environment!

Tue, 02/09/2016 - 20:59

Janet Warburton

Sandy, these are great photos! I love your view from the hotel. I do not see the same things apparently :) I'm looking forward to more about your aurora adventures.